Kansas Department of Agriculture

11/13/2026

Advice for the next generation

Agriculture comes with its share of challenges. From unpredictable weather to economic uncertainty, those working in the industry know that not every season goes as planned.

For Dr. Jessica Gernhard, the key is recognizing that those challenges are part of the responsibility — and finding joy in the work along the way.

Through her career in veterinary medicine and her own farming operation, Jessica has learned the importance of perseverance, continuous learning and appreciating the opportunities that come with working in agriculture.

Her advice is a reminder to embrace the challenges, celebrate the rewarding moments and appreciate the important role each of us plays in keeping agriculture moving forward. 🌾

11/12/2026

UPDATE: Outlook appears to be working this morning. There may still be some delays in emails sent and delivered, but we should be back to normal work today, for the most part.

There is a disruption with Microsoft Outlook today (November 12, 2026) which is affecting KDA's email system, and we are unable to send or receive emails. If you need immediate assistance, please call us directly. Otherwise, we will respond when Outlook resumes service. Thank you for your patience.

11/10/2026

All KDA offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in honor of Veterans Day.

11/10/2026

Jessica Gernhard's path to veterinary medicine started long before she ever stepped into a veterinary clinic.

Growing up on a farm in central Kansas, Jessica learned the ins and outs of agriculture alongside her father. From running farm equipment to helping with cattle feeding, health and processing, she gained hands-on experience that helped shape her future.

Her interest in veterinary medicine started early. In fact, her father jokes that he knew she would make a good veterinarian when, at just 12 years old, she handled a difficult situation after a calf developed an infection following dehorning.

After veterinary school, Jessica began her career in southwestern Kansas, spending much of her time working in custom feedyards. Eventually, she returned closer to family and built a rural veterinary practice serving her community.

Today, she continues her work in veterinary medicine while also raising cattle with her husband.

From her childhood on the farm to caring for animals and serving fellow agricultural producers, Jessica has built a career around the passion she discovered at a young age. 🌾

11/10/2026

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has extended the application deadline for candidates for the position of Chief Engineer until Friday, December 4. The agency is extending the deadline at the request of stakeholders and to ensure that all eligible and qualified Professional Engineers with relevant experience have sufficient opportunity to consider and apply for this position. The agency first posted the position on October 26.

The initial announcement about the position can be found here: https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/723/17

For more details on job responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits, go to www.agriculture.ks.gov/jobs .

The Kansas Department of Agriculture announced today that it has officially opened its search for qualified applicants to fill the position of Chief Engineer. The position will be open upon the retirement of Chief Engineer Earl Lewis on November 20.

11/09/2026

Verdigris Regional Water Planning Update Meetings

The KWO has completed a Regional Water Planning project in the Verdigris Regional Planning Area. This project includes creating a project pipeline and estimating long-term funding needs for priority water projects in the region. Local decision makers, municipal leaders, and interested citizens are invited to attend one of two local input meetings in the Verdigris region to learn about the process and future implementation efforts.

Both meetings will take place on November 17. The agenda will include an overview presentation of the Regional Water Planning process and an opportunity to provide region specific input.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend: https://forms.gle/VQmbrmRyAPsGWNDe6

Coffeyville
Coffeyville Community College – Spencer/Rounds Theatre
400 W 11th St, Coffeyville, KS
November 17, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Fredonia
Old Iron Days Facility
10392 Jade Rd, Fredonia, KS
November 17, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

We appreciate your interest in this project, and we hope to see you there!

11/09/2026

International Year of the Woman Farmer

Meet Dr. Jessica Gernhard, veterinarian and farmer in Marion County, Kansas!

Jessica grew up on a farm in central Kansas, where she developed a love for agriculture and caring for livestock. That early experience helped shape her path toward veterinary medicine.

Today, she operates a rural veterinary practice serving her local community. She and her husband also own a small cow herd and sell sides of beef to customers.

Jessica's story is one of dedication to agriculture, animal health and the rural communities she serves.

Join us as we share more about her journey and the lessons she's learned along the way.

11/09/2026

As he nears the end of his tenure as Chief Engineer, Earl Lewis shares his concerns about the continued decline of groundwater levels in the High Plains aquifer and the work that needs to be done in that region to counter these declines in this Op Ed in the High Plains Journal.

Kansas groundwater declines threaten agriculture as Earl Lewis urges stronger conservation measures to protect the Ogallala aquifer.

11/06/2026

Give the Gift of Kansas this holiday season! Looking for a unique gift that supports Kansas Ag? Our Kansas Holiday Gift Boxes are filled with delicious products from Kansas businesses and make the perfect gift for family, friends, coworkers, or clients!

-Order online at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com shipped nationwide.
-Want to pick up your order locally and skip shipping costs? Contact us to receive the code to waive shipping and make pickup arrangements.

Call: 785-564-6755
Email: [email protected]

Shop local. Support Kansas Ag. Give the Gift of Kansas!

Support local producers and 'Give the Gift of Kansas' this holiday season! The Kansas holiday gift boxes contain an assortment of products grown, raised or produced in Kansas, making gift-giving easy. Boxes starting at just $39.99 filled with a variety of Kansas-made products, the boxes can be shipped directly to your recipient and include a holiday card with a custom gift message.

10/30/2026

The Kansas Department of Agriculture recently welcomed seven Canadian Charolais breeders to Missouri and Kansas for a week-long beef genetics trade mission. Funded by U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc, the mission was held in partnership with the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the -International Charolais Association.

Throughout the week, participants visited seedstock operations across both states to learn about breeding programs, genetic selection, and innovations helping producers meet the needs of today’s beef industry.

In Kansas, the delegation visited Fink Beef Genetics, Schrader Ranch, Cody Cattle Company, T&S Strnad Charolais, and NextGen Cattle Company. Participants also learned about innovative data collection and new Charolais breed research with the American-International Charolais Association. The week concluded with the Junior Heifer Show and National Roll of Excellence Charolais Show at the impressive new American Royal grounds in Kansas City, Kansas.

International exchanges like these strengthen relationships and showcase the quality of Kansas cattle genetics to global markets.

Thank you to our Kansas and Missouri producers and partners for making this exchange a success!